Article Title
Abstract
The Man Behind Mongo
Think of the rich tradition of mystery serial novels and Spade and Hammer are certain to come to mind. But Mongo? That is the moniker of George Chesbro'sheroic protaganist, the dwarf detective with a doctoratein criminology who has starred in seven Chesbronovels. A 1962 SU graduate in special education, Chesbro taught mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed students near his Nyack, New York, home until 1979, when he began writing full-time. He has written 16 books, including the "Mangos": Shadow of a Broken Man (1977), City of Whispering Stone(1978), An Affair of Sorcerers (1979), The Beasts of Valhalla (1985), Two Songs This Archangel Sings (1986), The Cold Smell of Sacred Stone (1988), and (brand new) Second Horseman Out of Eden. He also wrote the Chant spy series under the pseudonym David Cross. The character of Mongo was intended to be satirical, but Mongo acquired his own influence andrespect. Mongo's appeal, says Chesbro, is that he issuccessful despite a physical limitation: "He was after what we're all after - respect and dignity - so Icouldn't make fun of Mongo. I afforded him dignity, and now Mongo's paying the rent."
Recommended Citation
(2012)
"Key 16 the Tower,"
Syracuse University Magazine: Vol. 5:
Iss.
4, Article 7.
Available at:
https://surface.syr.edu/sumagazine/vol5/iss4/7